Political activist Charlie Kirk shot, killed at UVU during ‘Prove Me Wrong’ tour
Sep 10, 2025, 12:54 PM | Updated: 6:34 pm
Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and president, answers interview questions on the set of The Charlie Kirk Show at Turning Point headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz., on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Political activist Charlie Kirk has died after he was shot in the neck while visiting Utah Valley University Wednesday, according to President Donald Trump and Kirk’s company, Turning Point USA.
Kirk was visiting the campus as part of his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ tour on Wednesday, and the event had garnered controversial attention online — even prompting nearly 1,000 people to sign a petition against it.
The event included Kirk inviting people on stage from the audience to debate political ideals with him. As one of them asked Kirk a question related to mass shootings, a gunshot rang out and struck Kirk near his neck area. The crowd immediately reacted, and those recording caught the moment on camera.
Emergency crews rushed Kirk to receive life-saving care, but in the following hours, President Donald Trump announced that Kirk had died via Truth Social:
The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!
The hunt for the shooter
The Associated Press released a graphic from the university depicting the scene, including where the university stated the shooter was at the time of the gunshot.
A graphic depicting where Charlie Kirk was and where his killer was at the time of the shooting at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. (Source, Phil Holm, Utah Valley University, Associated Press)
One person of interest was arrested hours after the shooting, and has since been released, according to FBI Director Kash Patel, who made the announcement at 6:01 p.m. The school initially reported a first person had been in custody immediately after the shooting, but officials quickly realized the person did not match the description of the shooter.
However, the first person detained was booked into jail on suspicion of obstruction of justice, according to Beau Mason, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
Mason said there was one shot fired, and only Kirk was hit. He said investigators believed it was a targeted attack.
While officials searched for the shooter, the university said the campus would be closed and offered anyone on campus a police escort to get away from it.
The Utah House of Representatives said it would be hosting a vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Utah State Capitol Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
Trump also announced that the American flag should be flown at half-staff at the White House and all other government buildings “as a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk.”
The FBI also opened a tip page to gather more information on the shooting.
Hospital impacted
KSL TV reporter Sarah Martin was at the Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, where hospital security told her the hospital was on lockdown, and all appointments were cancelled for the day.
Many police vehicles were seen outside the hospital following the shooting.
Police presence at Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Sarah Martin, KSL TV)
Politicians react to UVU shooting
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social following the shooting:
We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!
Vice President JD Vance took to X to send a prayer for Kirk’s well-being.
Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox took to X to condemn violence.
I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates.
Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.
Americans of…
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) September 10, 2025
Utah Senator Mike Lee said he was praying for Kirk in a post on X Wednesday after receiving word of the shooting.
I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 10, 2025
Rep. Burgess Owens also spoke on the shooting, saying, “We will not tolerate this in Utah.”
Closely monitoring the horrific situation at Utah Valley University. Praying for Charlie Kirk, every student in attendance, and the law enforcement officers securing the scene. We will not tolerate this in Utah.
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) September 10, 2025
Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris said she was “deeply disturbed” by the incident.
I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.
Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 10, 2025
Former President Joe Biden condemned the violence on X on Wednesday afternoon.
There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 10, 2025
No further injuries were reported at the time of publication.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
